Deer Hunting Trips

Mountain lion hunting is one of the most difficult yet enjoyable adventures you can experience. Before you go hunting, there are a few tips you need to consider. These are fundamental and all would-be hunters must be aware of them.

Tip 1: Bring a Partner

These animals don’t usually attack people, but it’s better to be sure especially if you are new to big game hunting. Having someone around will also reduce the chances of an aggressive type coming after you. The additional pair of eyes helps alert you of any potential danger and spot targets.

Tip 2: Be Wary of Approaching Cubs

Don’t come near it even if it appears to be alone. The mother lion is nearby and will attack you.

Tip 3: Bring the Right Gear or Guide

A GPS will be necessary when traversing mountainous regions. A compass will be a nice alternative, although many hunters like to carry both. It also helps if you bring along a mountain guide. These people are familiar with the area and help you from getting lost. Plus they can point out where these animals are located.

Tip 4: Bring Water

This is very basic but worth repeating. You will be spending a lot of time hiking up the mountain or be out in the woods. Determine how long you will be mountain lion hunting and bring the right amount of water.

Better yet, bring more water than what you think is necessary. You don’t want to carry excess weight, but you cannot afford to go without water.

Tip 5: Always be Prepared

Never assume you will only meet a mountain lion in spot X. Once you are in their territory they can appear anywhere. If you see one and are not prepared, back up very slowly. Do not crunch down; just back up. If the lion attacks you, fight back by kicking. Grab some rocks or sticks. Do not allow the lion to get you down to the ground.

How to Identify Mountain Lion Tracks

The first step is to make sure the tracks do not belong to dogs. This can be done easily by checking for the presence of claws. Claws are present in canine tracks. Unless the lion is running, you won’t see any tracks, because members of the cat family retract the claws when walking.

The back edges of dog tracks have two but cats have three. Cat tracks also have a double lobe on the front edge. The general shape of cat tracks is circular while dogs are oval.

Mountain lion tracks are about 3 to 5 inches long. The pad is bigger in proportion to its toes. The front toes of cats are not as evenly set compared with dogs. The shape is also akin to a teardrop. The tracks of a lynx, by the way, are much smaller than those of a mountain lion.

Mountain lion hunting is not easy but these tips cover the basic steps you need to get started. With the appropriate gear, it won’t take long before you become adept at it.